But rather than be worried by the absence of his star striker, Fergie is in fact overjoyed as the break allows Rooney to improve his fitness. There were reports the United boss wasn’t happy with the 26-year-old’s condition after the summer break and so for Ferguson, the injury might actually turn out to be a positive.

“It may be a blessing,” he said.

“He can concentrate on his fitness in the gym now in particular because he’s a bit behind other players.”

Rooney has confirmed there is no rift between him and Ferguson, leaving the England international free to get on with the business of getting fit. And, despite the severity of the striker’s injury, the United boss insists the four-week time scale he has outlined has not changed.

“He was in [on Friday],” he said. “It’s nothing serious on the actual gash; it’s a bad one but it was treated carefully and very quickly and we don’t expect any complications.

“The fact it’s a gash and not a ligament, muscle or joint injury means he can do a lot of work in the gym so he should be back in four weeks.”

The Reds take on Southampton at St Mary’s today in what will be Fergie’s 1,000th game in charge of United. But instead of celebrating the amazing feat, the brilliant boss was left to attack the FA for revealing Ashley Young’s injury. The winger was left out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Moldova and United blame the FA for making news of Young’s knock public.

And, feeling today’s opponents Southampton have been given an advantage by discovering Young will not play, Ferguson aims to prevent any chance of a repeat.

“It was nice of the FA to let everyone know Ashley Young is injured,” Ferguson said.

“We have a game on Sunday. Why should we let our opponents know who’s fit and who isn’t? It won’t happen again.”